Not all issues are covered in the league rules. There are times things happen and everyone will need to understand the best decision was made at the time until further review an be done which may or may not change how the situation was handled. We are all human and it is a online game.

This league was created so that old friends and new ones could come together and have fun playing Spades. We would like to feel that everyone here is an adult and though each of us will have our moments that when all is said and done, we will treat each other as we would like to be treated, forgive others as we wish to be forgiven. Mistakes happen and Patience is sometimes a virtue.

WE WANT OUR MEMBERS TO ENJOY PLAYING SPADES
THESE RULES ARE INTENDED FOR THAT PURPOSE

JOINING LEAGUE
*Each member may have only 1 membership in league. If you join with a second ID you will be asked to withdraw with one and change ID with whichever ID you choose to have in league. Continuing to join with multiple IDs will be reason for removal from league with all IDs.
*You may have as many IDs as SHG will allow and may come into the lobby as long as ID not offensive or stalking other members.
*Should you come to the lobby to play under different ID, you must leave and come back under your league ID. You must play all tourneys or participate in league activities in your SHG ID that matches your league ID.


THE LOBBY
*We encourage everyone to visit our lobby and have fun. Bring a friend to visit. We may need a sub. At times we have trivia or other fun activities open to all members to participate.
*We are friends and everyone will be treated with respect and kindness.
*Controversial topics are not encouraged and include religion, politics or any other topic that divides the group or brought up to entice arguments or hateful or hurtful comments.
*SHG has guidelines regarding this as well. Should SHG gag/kick/ban you, we will not intervene as we are not aware what may or may not have occurred in other lobbies or on messenger.


JOINING A TOUR
*When registering for a tournament, please note the game and start time. Checking the box means you have read and agree to abide by league rules.
*Member will ensure they have enough bux to enter the tour or ask for help to check if needed. Member will notify the TD and lobby if they do not have enough bux. We have lots of members willing to help gift buxs or prize boxes which have buxs in them.
*No controversial or offensive team names allowed. If a TD asks team name to be remade based on either of these reasons, remake
team so tourney can continue. Then contact HA if you disagree with TD request including original team name.. A Final determination of controversial or offensive will be determined by the HA.
*If you need a partner, please put password in team name. If a password is in the team name it is to mean that anyone may join you.
No new team without a partner at 10 minutes before tourney start time.
*Come to lobby early enough to ask for someone to join your team. It is not the responsibility of the TD to find you a partner. If you don't have a partner by 5 until please go auto or you may be dropped.
*Please be in the lobby whether on a team or auto before tour starts.
*Our tours will start as scheduled within reason to ensure all is given appropriate time to play current tourney and also has the opportunity to play in next tourney without causing delays.


GAME TIME ~ Let's Play Spades
*Members are not allowed to play in two tourneys at same time. (This includes two of our tourneys, or one of our tourneys and another league tourney, or any other game (example pino or pool, spades, etc) tourney and our tourney, or a regular game and our tourney) If proven you are playing two games at same time you will be given the opportunity to leave other game immediately or be disqualified from our tourney. If member continues to do this they may also receive additional penalty per boxing guidelines.
*Members that joined tourney should be in lobby prior to tourney start time and be ready to play.
*TD will start tournament and pairings and standings can be seen on tourney page by all players.
*TD may briefly silence lobby to assist all players seeing pairings then remove silence immediately if have bigger tourney.
*TD will post game with hands and table settings. TD will post pairings of all Round One games that can be played as well as any Round Two games that can stat playing.
*First team, may be either player, called has 2 minutes to choose table and sit and announce table number in lobby so all players and TD are aware of where game is to be played. Players may not change seats or start table until all 4 are seated. Until table number is stated in lobby, table is not considered chosen.
*At two minutes the TD will post in lobby pairing is flipped with new pairing posted and time announced. Once table is announced that is has been flipped all will need to go to that hosting table.
*If both players on a team are not present within 3 minutes of time pairings called, that team will be disqualified from tourney.

AT THE TABLE
*All four players need to join table they play at and be ready to start playing within 2 minute from time pairings called. It is not required that the TD pm or flag warn players to be at tables.
*Timers are used in lobby when call pairings and TD uses timers for missing players, and brbs, as well as for game play timers.
*First player of first team (then their partner has choice if mia or brb) has option to choose tram or no tram, post your preference in lobby or at game table once pairings have been posted by TD.
*TD will get subs for any missing players or member whose pard is missing may ask someone available to sub as their pard. Once all four players are seated and thumbs up, table will open so TD can join table and table setting options are given.
*TD will post game, hands, and specific settings if needed and game timer at table.
*If hosting team is mia or brb and hasn't posted preference then player having options may choose tram or no tram.
*TD will verify game settings from tourney page game rules as well as SHG game options and verify player preference from table if one is given are correct.
*All players should check table settings as well to verify correct.
*TDs posted game and hands with a table timer time so all can see time game started and use as a reference as to when game time will be up if game is not over prior to time up per game rules.
*Once 2 full hands have been played, game will be played as set.


SUBS
*If a player needs a sub they may pm or ask for a sub of choice and have sub sitting within 1 minutes. While the TD may assist, it is the responsibility of the player to get a sub when needed. TDs help but working together helps tourneys to run more smoothly which is better for everyone. If any sub is available then play must resume within 2 minutes.
*If the TD has to ask for a sub or any sub is stated to be ok, the first member seated will play
*The first player to sit will sub until the original player arrives or until the subs game is called. Once the original player arrives, the sub will stand after the hand in play is completed. A player may request a sub if need to leave by stating on table or in lobby.
*Members receive sub credits for subbing. Sub Credit is our way of saying "Thank You" for helping TDs with their tournaments. Subs that play full game and win, subs that play full game and loses, and subs that play 1 card or 5 cards (part of a game) gets credit. TD will submit a sub credit request.
It is preferred subs are got in this order to help prevent future delays in tourney:
1)Member in tourney who has lost their game or not in tourney and not in a tourney about to start.
2)Member in tour on a bye whether they play the winners or not available in lobby.
3)Any member of ForeverSpades not in lobby.


BRBs
*We feel that when a member registers for a tour that they are here to play Spades.
The intent of a 'Be Right Back' is for emergencies only or a quick return.
*Each player is allowed two be right backs per game but may not exceed 2 minutes maximum total, (one two minute brb or two one minute brb). If player needs more than two minutes total please stand and ask for a sub for that hand or until return and able to finish game.
*If there is a nil or blind nil on table or game is Suicide and you need a brb please stand and a sub will complete the hand to ensure a fair game.


GAME PLAY
STEADY PLAY VS SLOW PLAY VS BOOTING
*We want our players to have fun and enjoy their game.
*Players may want to join next tournament so steady play is a must.
*If a player seems to have lag or connection issue, the TD will check ping and may ask player to stand and sit again, or leave lobby and return to help with ping problem.
*TD may need to soft boot if a player's ping is good or player is not playing at a steady pace and not responding to TD requests.
*The player may return to table to play two times, upon the third occurrence, the player will not be allowed to play again until the next round. It is recommended to do a full reboot if necessary before next round starts.
*Player distracted, upset with game or partner, or bad sportsmanship can be factors of slow play. If TD is required to do a second soft boot, the player will be DQ from tournament and game play continue with a sub player.
*If SHG is having problems and multiple players are getting booted, TD may give an extra allowed return to play option.


SPORTSMANSHIP
*All players are expected to be good sports, We can't win every game and there has to be a winning team and a losing team.
*We all play our hand the best we can. We can't see others cards or maybe that person plans to play cards differently than you would. Bad sportsmanship doesn't change what was played or the cards we are dealt so play nice and keep games fun for all.
*Spades, like any other sport, is competitive. Competition, however, is no excuse for rude or insulting remarks. Whether at the table or lobby or private messages, it will not be tolerated. This includes questioning how or ways another player chooses to play. Rude, harassing, or abusive remarks toward any member or staff will not be tolerated whether it involves Spades or any other topic. One warning will be given and then DQ. If the language or abuse is severe enough or a repeated offense you will be DQ and boxed per boxing guidelines.

Private messages or table conferences during play is not allowed regardless of the content unless to pm the TD only about a problem or game play.


TABLE TALK VS CHEATING
*Table talk is sometimes a form of cheating - unfair advantage to win a game.
*Any and all talk about current or future hands may be considered table talk. This will include words or letters typed on table, sounds, punctuation, delays in play.

TD will have final determination.
First offense will be a warning
Second offense will result in DQ of player.
If Team is involved it is DQ of both players.

TD may logchat table and/or lobby and screenshot plays and then request HA to review with Admin Team if feels may be more severe form of table talk or possible cheating.

*If TD believes cheating has occurred, TD may stop play and have another Admin to review table and game be called if both agree.
*If an Admin isn't available TD will call the game giving win to team not suspected of cheating. TD will send screenshots, table logs, chat logs, lobby log, and all related proof of suspected cheating to HA.
*HA will review and may contact all players at table and review with Admin Team.
*Review by HA and Admin Team will determine if any additional boxing or/and ban is needed.
*If it is later determined there was no cheating then HA will adjust stats to pretour.
*If cheating occurred player or players involved in cheating will be banned from league.

*Discussing game strategy in private messages during game play proven by logchats may result in both players being DQ and boxed and / or may be added to Do Not Pard List.
*LogChats are sent to HA for review with Admin Team.
*Discussing game after ends with BOTH players agreeing to discuss game played is not cheating and is allowed as long as both parties agree.
*Contacting player after game criticizing how played is not cheating but is rude and may be considered harassment and may be boxed if proof of said chatlogs or tablelogs or lobbychat logs are sent to Admin and HA.

*Discussing cards in hand or suit to play while playing game is cheating. Cheating is NOT tolerated and will result in banned from league if proven by Admin Team.


CHAT AT TABLES
*Chat is encouraged during games. The best part of being in a league are the good times chatting at the tables.
*Chat during a game is allowed as long as it doesn't interfere with steady play or cause upset to the players in game.
*Players may ask that chat by other players or by the gallery be limited during play.
*Members can choose to not allow watchers or chat by using Table Options for current game in play.
*Chat can be a distraction to players. Please be respectful if requested by keeping chat limited by players and gallery to not talk.
*If there are problems at table, TD may request no talk remainder of game.
*Chat on messenger or in group conference is not allowed.
*Chat on phone with partner or video chatting during game play is not allowed.
*These could lead to suspicion of cheating. Proven cheating results in banning from league.

GALLERY
*Members may watch a game as long as they are not being a distraction.
*If asked by a player or the TD, the visitor will leave table.
*Showing cards to anyone is not allowed unless it is requested by the TD, or by an Admin or HA for a specific reason, otherwise cards should be kept closed during game play. If glasses are closed no one can see cards. If you can see eyes then anyone watching on that player can see that players cards. A watcher can only see the players cards they are watching on when eyeballs are showing and cannot see all players cards. Glasses should be closed unless the TD request show cards to verify a Special or issue with game.
*No player may boot another league member or visitor without the TD directing them to do so. Staff are considered a player unless they are the TD of tourney.
*If there is conflict between players, it is best to not go to that table just to watch game.
*If the TD requests you to leave table with or without a reason please leave table. If you feel it was wrong pm the TD or contact HA.


BLOCKING PLAYERS
*SHG gives the option to block players and is allowed. However personal issues will not interfere with league tournaments and activities.
* It is the players responsibility when playing against a blocked player to either unblock a player or to leave table, let blocked player sit, then return to seat. We need our tours to move in a timely manner.
*If player refuses to unblock or stand, TD will request to either stand or block to be removed within 1 minute. Player will be DQ if refuses.
*Player may block again once play is able to continue and it doesn't interfere with game play if they choose to.
*Members are expected to behave as responsible adults. There may be a time when speaking to someone is no longer in our best interest. If simply ignoring them isn't working, SHG allows a member to block them so they can't contact us. Please understand that when someone is blocked, their comments can't be seen at the table or in the lobby by you but can be seen by everyone else.

RENEGE VS RESIGN OPTION
*Renege is used to skip hand when misbid or to advance to next hand
*One player of team, may be either player, chooses to renege hand. The partner receives a message and can choose yes or no to renege hand. Both players must agree before it advances to next hand.
*Do not click to agree twice in the event both players send request. It will advance to next hand for each agreed request. There is a penalty automatically made to score when renege hand.
*Both players check the message to be you agree to be sure you are agreeing to renege and not resign as both options send same
message except one says renege and one says resign depending which one player clicks.
*If a player accidently sends resign and partner agrees game ends.
*If there is a misbid or game rules say to advance to next hand after get bid then both partners must agree to renege. Refusing to renege when it is part of game rules and TD requests you to agree per rules and you refuse to then that player will be DQ and a sub got for rest of game.

RESIGNING A GAME
*Both players may agree to resign at any time during game by clicking Resign and partner clicking to agree and game ends.
*If one player declines or refuses to resign, the player requesting resign may ask for a sub and leave table and a sub will be gotten for remainder of game and tourney.
*Subs do not have to agree to resign. if remaining player who joined tournament states at table wants to resign game, TD will call game. Sub can't choose to resign game, if sub doesn't want or can't stay to finish game then sub needs to state on table they need to leave, stand, and another Sub will be found.


JOINING NEXT TOURNAMENT
*A player may register for the next tournament once they are eliminated from current tournament.
*A player may join next tournament once they have reached the finals with three hands remaining.
*If players game is called in the next tournament, the player must finish their current game and get a sub for next tournament.
*If both players are registered as a team in next tournament, one will remain and other go to table for next tournament and each will get a sub at both tables.
*Both players may agree to resign current game and both play in next tournament.

TABLES AND GLITCHES
*Host may choose any table 1 thru 75 and state table # n lobby
*If the TD of the tourney requests only tables 1 thru 15 then host is to just use those tables stated by TD.
*The same table may be used in next round only after all leaving table after game and next round pairings announced and table available.
*Players can only be at one table while playing with the exception of TD or a TD who is helping with Tables.


There may be issues with SHG from time to time. These include a table having a glitch which may include cards not being seen by all players, bids wrong for games that are automatically bids or if cards highlighted for specific games are wrong. or score not seen are the most common. First, notify TD and ask TD to verify the problem.
*Players will submit a Bug Report by clicking Report Bug button on table which is sent to SHG.
*TD will screenshot table and send to HA and SHG.


The following options are available should an SHG table glitch affect the game.
TD will follow these procedures to be fair to all during these circumstances.
*Roulette: Remake at another table and replay.
*Four hand tour: Remake at another table and replay.
*Five hand tour: Third hand or under, replay at another table. Fourth hand or above, highest score wins and team advances.
*Six to ten hand tour: Under five hands played, remake at another table. On the sixth hand or above, high score wins and advances.
*When a game is called early and a team is declared the winner, the TD will notify the HA. and game stats will be adjusted to prior setting.
*Scores from the abandoned game will not transfer forward.

Having a table with a technical issue is frustrating and none of us like it. We must also keep the tour moving forward so that the next tours don’t become affected.


SAME HOUSEHOLD
*There are several ways players can cheat. Just because two members live together does not automatically make them cheaters. *Members of the same household will be treated as any other member as it relates to all league rules.
*If you feel players are cheating pm the TD and ask TD to watch plays. Notify the HA also of your concerns. TDs are required to also.
*DO NOT question play or living arrangements at table or in lobby. This only causes delays or problems which could result in being boxed.
*If the Admin Team agree the members of same household can't pard for whatever reason, that may or may not include suspicion of cheating, the members of same household may be allowed to be part of league but placed on DO NOT PARD list. The members and TDs will be notified of the decision and aware they can't pard.


SHG
While we are a league and have our own policy and way of doing things, we must appreciate that SHG has a policy of their own. As we wish to protect members within our league, SHG will protect their gaming site. We all must follow the rules of league and of SHG.

THANK YOU FOR PLAYING IN
FOREVERSPADES LEAGUE.

This rules page has been created by the ForeverSpades League Admin team
for the exclusive use by ForeverSpades League and is not to be used by any other
league without written permission from Forevers_Char at rainbow_star_dreamer@yahoo.com.

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